Central Campus Recreation Building

Client: University of Michigan – Dearborn

Location: Dearborn, Michigan 

Architect Partner: Ann Arbor Architects Collaborative

Project Specifics: This two-phase project involved the demolition of three existing racquetball courts and conversion into a general-purpose exercise facility.

Challenges: Each of the three courts contained a load-bearing wall. Prior to the demolition phase, workers had to cut a slot into each wall, dig a footing, install a steel support column, then place a beam across the top to assume the load once the wall was removed. Complicating matters further, accessing the site with demolition equipment was difficult due to its location deep within the existing facility.

Cost: $400,000